Cabdriver hurt in robbery attempt

San Diego  A cabdriver was slightly injured early Sunday in Birdland when he jumped out of his cab after being threatened by a passenger, San Diego police said.

The Yellow Cab driver picked up a man at Fourth Avenue and C Street downtown around 4 a.m. The man got into the front seat and asked to be taken to an ATM on First Avenue where he withdrew cash, police said.

He then asked to be taken to Genesee Avenue and Starling Drive where he pointed what the driver thought was a silver knife or a handgun at him and demanded cash, police said.

The driver stepped on the gas and then jumped out of the cab, which crashed into a light pole.

The robber got out and ran and was last seen heading east on Starling, police said.

He was described as Latino and in his 20s, short and heavy-set wearing a blue shirt with stripes.